“It’s not the usual thing to happen while on guard,” admitted Lance Corporal Paul Edden, the guardsman who broke with convention to perform the inspiring act for Marshall who turned 4 on the day.

“Usually I would just take the guardsmen in the guardroom as normal, but my wife and I are expecting a baby boy, and I remembered standing at Edinburgh Castle when I was young hoping to get a picture with a soldier,” Edden told London’s Evening Standard newspaper. “I noticed Marshall in a Coldstream guards uniform, and seeing him coming out made me proud of what I do.”

Imogen Scott, Marshall’s mom, revealed the moment had left her feeling “overwhelmed.” “He is so happy,” she said of her son. “Literally his dreams have come true.”